South America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima, it's 35 full days of fun. You'll hike the Inca Trail, cross the Salt Flats of Bolivia by 4x4, and feel like a sophisticate sipping wine in Argentina. Along the way, you'll engage with local cultures with a small group of other young travellers to back you up. For those willing to invest their time, this trip offers big returns—in adventure.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time.

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Day 2: Buenos Aires/Salta

Skip a long bus ride with an included flight to Salta.Salta, situated in the Lerma Valley of northern Argentina, is home to empanadas salteñas - a delicious local specialty. No visit to the town will be complete without giving them a try. In the evening, opt to experience a local celebration at one of the "Peña" folklore shows.

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Day 3: Salta

Explore the city and enjoy the local cuisine. Opt to take a trip through the scenic Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate, or visit the High Mountain Archaeological Museum.Enjoy free time to explore the area. The scenic Quebrada de las Conchas and Cafayate, famed for its wine and vineyards, are recommended stops. The multi-coloured valleys in the foothills region of the Andes are sure to be a highlight.

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Day 4: Salta/San Pedro de Atacama

Travel over the border and into Chile.In the morning, take a bus further north to the dry desert regions of Argentina and Chile. Stop in the little town of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth.

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Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama

Opt to try out sandboarding, go mountain biking, or visit the Valley of the Moon.

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Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama/Salar de Uyuni

Ascend by bus into the mountains and cross into Bolivia for a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert Altiplano with spectacular scenery.Groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos.

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Day 7: Salar de Uyuni

Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.Settle in to your G Adventures-supported salt-brick bungalow, complete with salt floors and furniture, after a guided walking tour up to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner of local ingredients prepared by ladies from the community.

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Day 8: Salar de Uyuni/Uyuni

Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers.

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Day 9: Salar de Uyuni/Potosí

Travel north to visit one of the highest cities in the world. On arrival spot the looming mountain of Cerro Rico, a working silver mine.

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Day 10: Potosí

Get out and explore Potosí and wander through the streets of the city.

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Day 11: Potosí/Sucre

Travel north to the beautiful colonial city of Sucre. Travel north to Sucre. Tackle the city as there is a lot to offer during our two days here. Optional activities include a visit to an old tin baron's mansion and a textile cooperative, mountain biking, and hiking.

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Day 12: Sucre

Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

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Day 13: Sucre/La Paz

Enjoy a free day in Sucre before an overnight bus to La Paz.

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Day 14: La Paz

Enjoy free time to explore the markets and winding streets of this high altitude city.Wake up from the overnight bus ride, get settled, and have the day to check out the city of La Paz.

Optional activities in La Paz include museum visits, a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world's highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600m/18,368 ft).

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Day 15: La Paz

Free day in La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, the Valley of the Moon, the Witches' Market, or the nearby Tiahuanaco Ruins.

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Day 16: La Paz/Puno

Travel by bus through the Altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the Altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive.

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Day 17: Puno/Lago Titicaca

Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. In the morning, board a boat on Lake Titicaca. Head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives.

After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.

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Day 18: Lago Titicaca/Puno

Visit the floating islands of Uros. Optional visit to the Sillustani burial site.Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.

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Day 19: Puno/Cusco

Travel through the high Altiplano region to Cusco.

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Day 20: Cusco

Free time to explore Cusco. Opt for a city tour, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

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Day 21: Cusco/Ollantaytambo

En route to Ollantaytambo, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour and visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes not only Ollantaytambo and the ruin site of Pisac, but also a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.

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Day 22: Ollantaytambo/Cusco

Return to the Sacred Valley with the CEO to explore the sites of the Maras Salt Mines and the ancient Incan agricultural terraces of Moray. Continue on a scenic drive through small villages and stunning views of the Andean countryside. Stop for a picnic lunch at Piuray Lagoon and opt to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Return to Cusco for the evening.Leave the hikers to start their trek and head out to explore Moray and Maras ancient Incan ruins. Enjoy a scenic drive through Andean farmland on the way to Piuray Lagoon.

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Day 23: Cusco

Enjoy a free day to explore the city or take advantage of the many optional activities available.

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Day 24: Cusco/Aguas Calientes

Travel by van to Ollantaytambo to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.

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Day 25: Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco in the evening.Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with the guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins followed by free time to explore. When ready, head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes to meet up with the rest of the group and take a train back to Cusco.

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Day 26: Cusco

Free day to explore Cusco or relax after the trek. If you are ready for more adventure, opt to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

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Day 27: Cusco/Arequipa

Enjoy a final free day in Cusco before an overnight bus to Arequipa.

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Day 28: Arequipa

Travel from Cusco to Arequipa. Opt to visit the Santa Catalina Convent or soak in local hot springs. Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering.

For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.

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Day 29: Arequipa/Colca Canyon

Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and opt for a soak in hot springs.Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at “miradors” (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that may be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña.

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Day 30: Colca Canyon/Arequipa

Continue exploring Colca Canyon with opportunities to view condors, visit local villages, and see the old terraces. Travel back to Arequipa for the evening. Get an early start to be on the look out for the condors flying. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.

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Day 31: Arequipa/Nazca

Explore Arequipa and opt to take a city tour. Take an overnight bus to Nazca.

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Day 32: Nazca

Optional flight over the Nazca Lines.Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. Very little can be seen from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.

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Day 33: Nazca/Paracas

Transfer to Paracas with a stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina.Leave Nazca and stop at the Huacachina Oasis for some optional sandboarding. Continue to visit an artisanal winery to sample some local pisco and wine. Paracas is located one hour further.

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Day 34: Paracas/Lima

Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands in the morning before travelling to Lima for a final night. Be sure to try some ceviche and a Pisco Sour.